Passing your driving test opens a whole new world, but knowing what to buy next can feel overwhelming. From must-have car accessories to smart first car purchases, having the right gear sets you up for success on the road. One surprising new driver essential is a personalised number plate—it doesn't have to cost thousands to stand out. Let's break down exactly what you need after passing your driving test so you can hit the road with confidence. For some extra inspiration on cool accessories, check out this brilliant list over at Road & Track.
Your Post-Test Shopping Guide
First Car Purchases Worth Making Straight Away
So you've passed your test. Brilliant! Before you do anything else, let's talk about the basics you'll need sorted before you even think about driving solo.
Car insurance is the big one. You legally cannot drive without it, so get this sorted first. As a new driver, you might find premiums are on the higher side, but shopping around using comparison sites can save you a fair bit of cash.
A breakdown cover policy is another smart early buy. Nobody wants to be stranded on the hard shoulder of a motorway on their first week of driving. It's one of those things you hope you'll never need, but you'll be very glad you've got it if the worst happens.
A dashcam is quickly becoming one of the most popular first car purchases for new drivers. It records everything that happens on the road, which can be a lifesaver if you're ever involved in an accident that wasn't your fault. Some insurers will even knock a bit off your premium if you've got one fitted.
New Driver Essentials
You Might Not Have Thought Of
Once the big stuff is covered, it's time to think about the smaller but genuinely useful bits and bobs.
A phone mount is an absolute must. Using your phone while driving is illegal, but you'll likely want to use it for navigation. A good quality mount keeps your phone in view without tempting you to pick it up.
A portable tyre inflator might sound a bit dull, but trust us on this one. A slow puncture has a habit of appearing at the most inconvenient times. A compact inflator that plugs into your car's power socket means you're never completely stuck.
A car first aid kit is another sensible addition. It's one of those cost-effective car accessories that takes up barely any space in your boot but could genuinely matter one day.
A high-visibility jacket and warning triangle should also be in your boot at all times. In many European countries these are legally required, and even in the UK they're just plain sensible.
What to Buy After Passing Your Driving Test to Make It Feel Like Yours
Here's where things get a bit more fun. One of the best parts of owning a car is making it feel personal to you, and that's where a personalised number plate comes in.
Now, before you think this is something only footballers and millionaires bother with, hear us out. Personalised number plates are far more accessible than most people realise. You don't need to spend thousands to get something that feels special and unique to you. There are plates available for as little as a few hundred pounds, and sometimes even less if you know where to look.
A personalised plate is one of those new driver essentials that genuinely sets your car apart. Whether it's your initials, a nickname, or something that reflects your personality, it adds a touch of character that a standard DVLA-issued plate simply can't match. It's also worth knowing that private plates can hold or even increase their value over time, which makes them a surprisingly savvy purchase.
If you're curious about what's out there and what things might cost, it's worth browsing a reputable private plate dealer to get a feel for the market. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you can find within a reasonable budget.
Cost-Effective Car Accessories to Round Things Off
To finish off your new driver kit, here are a few more cost-effective car accessories worth picking up:
- Microfibre cloths for keeping your interior and exterior clean
- A steering wheel lock for added security, especially if you're parking on the street
- Sunshades to keep your car cooler in summer and protect your dashboard
- A car air freshener because, well, nobody wants a car that smells odd
Getting all of this sorted early means you're not scrambling around after the fact. Think of it as setting yourself up properly from day one. You've done the hard work passing your test, so now it's time to enjoy the ride.
Happy driving!